Cockroaches, flies and food safety lapses expose Mumbai’s elite kitchens

A Colaba McDonald’s outlet failed 18 of 20 safety checks, while elite Mumbai clubs also faced licence suspensions following surprise FDA inspections

PGurus Newsdesk

August 21, 2026

FDA inspections uncovered serious hygiene and food safety violations at several prominent Mumbai establishments, leading to licence suspensions

Prominent Mumbai establishments face action after alarming kitchen inspections

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of several prominent establishments in South Mumbai, including a McDonald’s outlet in Colaba, the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and Khar Gymkhana, following inspections that uncovered serious food safety and hygiene violations.

The action followed surprise inspections carried out on August 19 and 20 as part of the FDA’s ongoing food safety enforcement drive.

At the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, officials found active fly infestations in several kitchen areas, along with a dead cockroach and open cockroach traps in the utensil-washing area. Inspectors also found food items and utensils stored directly on the floor.

McDonald’s, Khar Gymkhana and Radio Club face FDA crackdown

The inspection further revealed flaking ceiling plaster above food preparation areas, chemicals and washing powders stored alongside food, unhygienic refrigerators and improper thawing of food items.

Staff helmets and clothing were reportedly kept alongside food, while waste bins were placed near cooking stoves. Officials also noted improperly sealed kitchen doors and signs of spitting on the premises.

The Radio Club recorded an overall non-compliance rate of 47 per cent, following which the FDA suspended its food business licence under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The establishment has been directed to stop food purchases, sales and distribution during the suspension period.

McDonald’s Colaba fails 18 of 20 safety checks

The FDA also took action against the McDonald’s outlet in Colaba after inspectors found significant violations.

According to the inspection findings, the outlet failed 18 of 20 food safety parameters. The authorities also alleged that the outlet submitted a 148-page compliance report containing falsified information.

The FDA further flagged the use of cheese analogues without appropriate declarations on the menu. Its operating licence was suspended with immediate effect, barring food manufacturing, sales and distribution until compliance is verified.

Khar Gymkhana also faces action

Khar Gymkhana was another prominent establishment to face FDA action over food safety concerns.

Inspectors found a risk of cross-contamination because raw, cooked, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were not adequately segregated. The inspection also found chemicals stored improperly and inadequate pest-control measures.

The FDA suspended the establishment’s food registration certificate and directed it to immediately stop food production, storage, purchase, sale and distribution.

The action is part of Maharashtra’s wider crackdown on food safety violations at restaurants, clubs and other establishments. The latest inspections underline that even prominent and high-end venues are being subjected to the same food safety standards as other food businesses.

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